Page 37 - EMMA

Emma

her inclination for good company, and power of
appreciating what was elegant and clever, shewed that
there was no want of taste, though strength of
understanding must not be expected. Altogether she was

quite convinced of Harriet Smith’s being exactly the
young friend she wanted—exactly the something which
her home required. Such a friend as Mrs. Weston was out
of the question. Two such could never be granted. Two
such she did not want. It was quite a different sort of
thing, a sentiment distinct and independent. Mrs. Weston
was the object of a regard which had its basis in gratitude
and esteem. Harriet would be loved as one to whom she
could be useful. For Mrs. Weston there was nothing to be
done; for Harriet every thing.
Her first attempts at usefulness were in an endeavour to
find out who were the parents, but Harriet could not tell.
She was ready to tell every thing in her power, but on this
subject questions were vain. Emma was obliged to fancy
what she liked—but she could never believe that in the
same situation she should not have discovered the truth.
Harriet had no penetration. She had been satisfied to hear
and believe just what Mrs. Goddard chose to tell her; and
looked no farther.

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